250,000 bees killed in Gozo arson attack

The arson attack saw the destruction of 220 beehives killing 250,000 bees

The photo sent in by the parliamentary secretariat shows one of the structures where the bees were kept burnt to the ground.
The photo sent in by the parliamentary secretariat shows one of the structures where the bees were kept burnt to the ground.

250,000 bees have been killed after some 220 beehives were set on fire in Gozo.

The incident, which the parliamentary secretariat for agriculture described as “a vandal attack”, took place in a field between Gharb and Ghasri.

It is estimated that damages amount to around €12,000.

“This is not just an attack against a private company which invested in our country but also a vandal attack against the environment,” the parliamentary secretary said.

It went on to urge anyone with any information to come forward and contact the police as an investigation is underway.

The bees belonged to renowned Italian apiculturist Ermanno De Chino who last year imported 45 nucleus bee colonies to Gozo, for use by his new company Melita Bees Limited to produce queen bees for export. 

Local beekeepers had however complained and claimed that the importation of bees could lead to the destruction of apiculture.